Remembrance Day: Solemn ceremonies planned

There will be a few different ways for people in Nanaimo to pay respect and give pause on Remembrance Day.

A parade and ceremony takes place at the Dallas Square Park cenotaph in downtown Nanaimo at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, and people will be able to head to Royal Canadian Legion halls in Harewood, Nanaimo and Lantzville afterwards.

Branch 256 Mount Benson, 1630 East Wellington Rd.

Branch 256 will be offering food before and after the downtown ceremony, according to Joann Walton Hatch, branch president. Breakfast will be offered from 7 to 8 a.m. and a ceremony will be held at the branch for people who aren’t able to make it down to Dallas Square Park.

The Mount Benson legion’s ceremony takes place between 9-10 a.m. to allow for people to head to the downtown ceremony, said Walton Hatch. It will see the laying of a wreath and Oliver Lotan, an École Quarterway Elementary School student, will sing a Second World War song.

Lunch will also be provided beginning at noon, which Walton Hatch said is beef on a bun and various salads.

The Ceili Band will perform from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Guy Bezeau will perform beginning at 2:30 p.m.

There is no charge.

Branch 10 Nanaimo, 129 Harewood Rd.

The lounge at the Harewood legion will open at about 11:45 a.m. and from noon till 6 p.m., will offer a variety of foods, including sandwiches and chowder. According to Lynn Redekopp, Branch 10 poppy chairwoman, beef dip will be served later in the afternoon.

Entertainment will begin at 2 p.m.Frank Hanna will perform from 2-6 p.m. and Big Daddy will perform from 7 p.m. until closing.

Branch 257 Seaview Centennial, 7727 Lantzville Rd.

Following Lantzville’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Huddlestone Park cenotaph, refreshments will be served at the legion for veterans and at Costin Hall for children, according to Tom DeMarce, Branch 257 president.

A roast beef dinner will be held beginning at 4:30 p.m. $5 for non-veterans.